Spike Buck Fire Update (06-20-12)

CAÑON CITY, Colo. (8:45 p.m.) – The Spike Buck Fire west of Cañon City has burned 5 acres of BLM land. The BLM and the Colorado Department of Transportation estimate that U.S. Highway 50 will remain closed in both directions from Texas Creek to Parkdale through 1 p.m. Thursday. The Arkansas River is closed to rafting from Texas Creek to Parkdale through tomorrow afternoon.

Drivers can use highways 9 and 69 as alternate routes.

“We understand that closing Highway 50 and the river is a major inconvenience,” said Keith Berger, Field Manager. “But we are using helicopters to help fight this fire. The aircraft are dipping water out of the river and flying low over the highway to put out the flames. ”

The Spike Buck fire is burning directly adjacent to the highway in light grasses, pinyon, juniper, and mountain mahogany. Dangers include steep terrain and rolling debris.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.